What Do Programmers Do When They Get Old? (Life’s Journey)

Programming is a fantastic field, and the field has seen many more people coming into the industry with dreams, hope, passion, aspirations, and a love for programming, which was not the same years back.

Because of the rapid advancement in software and technology, programming has been named by many as a young man’s game.

But when these young folks advance in age, what then becomes their fate?

Do companies lay off old programmers at a certain age? What do they do and where do they go when they are older?

There are a lot of myths and hard realities about this.

For instance, if a programmer in his 50s applied for a job with young techies in their 20s and 30s, will the aged programmer have a chance at getting the job?

And how many companies would consider employing those in their 50s?…considering their lesser agility, being prone to sickness and staking higher for health insurance and the likes.

Moreso, even recent studies carried out among professional programmers around the world shows that about 80% are less than 40 years of age, which is quite unusual compared to other skilled professions today.

However, most people into programming know there are tremendous benefits to being an older programmer.

In fact, a new study agrees that those older are better at programming because, generally, programming knowledge seems to improve with years of professional experience.

As a result, some senior programmers are NOT put out of their jobs after a certain period because of their age. 

Let’s look in detail at some of the things programmers do or engage in when they get old.

1. Earn from their previously made systems

Most old programmers still earn from systems they have made in their careers in this digital age where things are much easier than they used to be years ago. 

There are things that were done the hard way and are time-consuming. This present age has the advantage of doing the same things in a few seconds because of the systems that some incredible programmers have created.

We are all beneficiaries of the already created systems, although we most likely don’t even know those who created these systems. 

However, the brains behind these systems are entitled to a certain percentage of profit.

For instance, programmers who create money transactions systems profit whenever the system is used. Imagine millions of transactions being processed daily.

Many of them don’t really need to work again because, at this point in their career, they have most of what they need.

2. They continue coding 

Some programmers don’t outgrow their passion; they have developed so much love for coding that they just keep at it and don’t want to stop.

They thrive well in programming because they have the willingness to learn and the right mindset. They don’t mind spending extra time and effort to learn new tech and skills because they enjoy their work.

These senior programmers provide answers to questions from many younger programmers.

3. Management and freelancing 

Some of the older programmers want to work based on their own rules and convenience, so they become freelancers and take on several projects as freelancers.

They might still be interested in programming but no longer desire a corporate job, so they opt for freelancing work.

Many companies employ young and energetic programmers with less money, so they use older programmers for vital roles like first or second-line managers.

4. Independent consultants 

Young programmers have access to many opportunities in the field; however, a high level of expertise that comes from staying long at work is required to be a consultant.

Older programmers become hired or independent consultants for companies by depending on the vast knowledge and experience they have learned on the job. They earn big by being good consultants.

5. Startups and tech agencies

Recently, some of the older programmers don’t necessarily start their startups, as startups are more common among young programmers as it less tedious now. 

With a good idea, it’s quite easy to get an investor, which is what some older programmers do; they invest in the startup instead of being directly involved.

Although some do consider creating their own startup; they use their experience, network, and skill to foster the new company’s growth process.

This same process applies when starting a tech or marketing agency.

6. Become experts in a field and a tutor to many

Older programmers become highly specialized in a specific part of programming they are good at, and their services are required in larger tech businesses.

Some prefer to teach others the skill rather than doing it at some point.

You can see a lot of elderly programmers as tutors on platforms like Udemy, Team Treehouse and many others.

Conclusion 

Older programmers face concerns about the stability of their roles because of the speedy advancement in technology which demands them to be constantly up to date or get displaced with the influx of many young, active and vibrant programmers in the field with lesser tendencies to sickness and weakness.

I believe that age is nothing but a number as long as senior programmers are willing to learn new skills and keep up with the development in the field, then they will still be as resourceful as ever.

Support Website Hurdles

Website Hurdles is readers supported.

If you find this content helpful, you can support me by buying me a cup of coffee.

Till we meet again on another article,

Happy Coding!